Monday, May 8, 2017

Five great walking tours through the vibrant sections of Hong Kong

Tripping out in Hong Kong by Patti Pietschmann

Heading to Hong Kong? Well there is no better way to soak in the culture of this vibrant city. I know because I've been there, done that. To help you get your bearings, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), has curated five
themed walking tours that takes you to all the cool spots (be sure to stop for dim sum). The distinctly themed routes guide you through the vast and
vibrant Central district, including its colonial monuments, temples, art
galleries, antique stores, street art displays, popular restaurants, rooftop
bars and local delicacies, with hidden gems at every turn.

“Each
district in Hong Kong has its unique culture and characteristics, and Central is
an important landmark in the development of Hong Kong history,” said HKTB’s U.S.
Director Bill Flora. “It is
a place where East and West, past and present coexist and collide. ‘Old Town
Central’ showcases the rich elements of Central and Sheung Wan, including
historical architecture, arts and culture, culinary treats and hidden gems, in
the hope of bringing more visitors to explore this dynamic district.”

Old
Town Central covers a neighborhood bounded by Wyndham Street to the east, Caine
Road to the south, Possession Street to the west and Queen’s Road Central to the
north, with Hollywood Road – one of the first roads built in the city – spanning
through it. Located in the heart of Old Town Central is SoHo, an area that
represents the blending of traditional culture, heritage, and innovation,
featuring PMQ a haven for local designers and one of Hong Kong’s top tourist
attractions. The historical venue is a landmark for creativity with more than
100 design studios, and retail shops and memorable dining experiences.

“Old
Town Central” Five Themed Walking Tours:

The
tours lead travelers on a journey through fascinating contrasts of East and
West, tradition and innovation, the past, present and future, and into the heart
of Hong Kong.

Tasting
Hong Kong:
Central is a paradise for food lovers, and this tour offers a world of choices
to satisfy any pallet. From traditional dim sum to local dai pai to eclectic
street food to international fusion and fine wine, there is something for every
taste bud.

Time
Traveler: A
journey of history and heritage through Central and Sheung Wan where the story
of modern Hong Kong first began. From Possession Point, where the British flag
was first officially raised, to the Tai Ping Shan area where many Chinese first
settled in the 1840’s, this tour leads through some of the city’s oldest and
historic streets.

Crazy
for Art:A
stroll down the Hollywood Road, one of the oldest streets in Hong Kong, lined
with galleries offering a huge range of artworks, from ancient to contemporary
and from Asian to Western, offering artists and coinsures of all levels with
endless inspiration.

Treasure
Hunt: For
the adventurer looking for the diamonds in the rough, this tour starts on Upper
Lascar Row - a fascinating mix of antiques and Chinese calligraphy dealers - and
moves up to Tai Ping Shan Street and the PoHo area – a young and vibrant
community of businesses formed by the creative minded and stylishly savvy, then
wraps up around the Bridges Street area – a melting pot of old and new, with
second-hand book and knickknacks, feeding the imagination with visions of the
city’s past.

Something
for Everyone: For
those with limited time, this tour covers the top landmarks and points of
interest from each thematic tour. Travelers will discover heritage sites,
explore art, sample local food and hunt for hidden treasures before landing on
Pottinger Street, the vibrant heart of the neighborhood.

I'm edgy, energetic and esthetic--hey, I'm a Pisces. I'm a prolific writer, published in magazines, newspapers, on the web and in books and travel guides. I'm a beauty, cruise, spa and luxury travel specialist.I'm also really good at writing web copy. I also appear as the Dining Diva occasionally on Rick Dees in the Morning on Movin 93.9 FM, the Mix That Makes You Move. Happily married (to a talented writer)with no children but one cat. I love writing, reading, traveling, sports and fitness activities (especially hiking, aerobics, gym workouts), movies and life. Blogging's my latest bag.

About Me

I'm edgy, energetic and esthetic--hey, I'm a Pisces. I'm a prolific writer, published in magazines, newspapers, on the web and in books and travel guides. I'm a beauty, cruise, spa and luxury travel specialist.I'm also really good at writing web copy. I also appear as the Dining Diva occasionally on Rick Dees in the Morning on Movin 93.9 FM, the Mix That Makes You Move. Happily married (to a talented writer)with no children but one cat. I love writing, reading, traveling, sports and fitness activities (especially hiking, aerobics, gym workouts), movies and life. Blogging's my latest bag.